BEST BEACH HOLIDAY IN SHAKA’S ROCK
Shaka’s Rock is a tranquil seaside town on the north coast of KwaZulu Natal. It’s located in Durban North on the east coast of South Africa, which is also known as the Dolphin Coast because of regular sightings of dolphins in the bay. A scenic 50-minute drive from the city of Durban, Shaka’s Rock is one of the most popular holiday destinations on this gorgeous stretch of coastline.
Most of Shaka’s Rock comprises an upmarket gated community called Simbithi Eco Estate that lies nestled in a lush valley between Ballito and Salt Rock. The estate has grown considerably in the past ten years and is now one of the most prestigious real estate developments in Durban North. Shaka’s Rock is also home to one of South Africa’s best 18-hole golf courses at Simbithi Country Club, designed by Peter Matkovich.
Where is Shaka’s Rock?
Shaka’s Rock is a 50-minute drive from the city of Durban, heading north on the N2 past Umhlanga and just past the turnoff to Ballito. It’s located in Durban North on the east coast of South Africa, a stunning coastal belt that lies between the N2 freeway and the seashore. Umgeni River forms its southern boundary and La Lucia its northern boundary.
Durban North is home to some of Durban’s most affluent seaside towns including Umhlanga, Mount Edgecombe, Ballito, Salt Rock, Shaka’s Rock, Sheffield and Thompson’s Bay. These seaside towns are conveniently located to King Shaka International Airport and the hugely popular Gateway Theatre of Shopping complex.
The best thing about Shaka’s Rock is it’s enroute to some of the finest Big 5 safari destinations in KwaZulu Natal. This includes Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Lake St Lucia) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Salt Rock’s the perfect place to stay in Durban North for a day trip to KZN’s incredible wilderness regions.
Distance from:
Shaka’s Rock to Durban Golden Mile: 40 min (50 kms) via N2
Shaka’s Rock to Umhlanga: 30 min (37 kms) via N2
Shaka’s Rock to Gateway Theatre of Shopping: 30 min (35 kms) via N2
Shaka’s Rock to Ballito: 15 min (8 kms) via Salt Rock Rd and R102
Shaka’s Rock to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi: 2 hours (190 kms) via N2
Shaka’s Rock to iSimangaliso Wetland Park: 2 hours (190 kms) via N2
Why we love Shaka’s Rock
Shaka’s Rock is a small strip of prime residential properties that lies nestled between the busy town of Ballito and the sleepy town of Salt Rock. It’s ideally positioned to the best beaches, shops and restaurants in Durban North but still retains its country charm, with homes tucked away in a lush protected coastal forest.
It’s an ideal place to stay for a family holiday or with a group of friends where outdoor fun and adventures are the main appeal. Year-round brilliant weather, lush surrounds, gorgeous beaches with a calm tidal pool and all the conveniences of modern shopping centres and a vibrant nightlife only a short drive away; this is what makes Shaka’s Rock so popular.
We love Shaka’s Rock for its:
Beautiful beach and tidal pool
The main beach at Shaka’s Rock is simply stunning. It’s a lot less crowded in the busy holiday times and mostly used by residents of Simbithi Eco Estate.
The most popular attraction is a large tidal pool that provides young and old with a safe swimming area. It’s great for snorkeling; you’ll find various fish species and coral dwellers in the tidal pool and even the odd exotic like the flamboyant stone fish. The tidal pool falls within a protected marine reserve and you may not catch fish in it.
The waves are good at Shaka’s Rock main beach and the rocky outcrops at one side of the beach are a good fishing spot for avid rock and surf fisherman. If you get hungry or thirsty on the beach, there’s a small sit-down café at the entrance to the beach where you can take a break from the mid-day sun and enjoy a light meal and beverages.
Shaka’s Rock has a ski-boat launch site. It’s always entertaining for beachgoers to watch the boaters go out and come back to shore through the big waves.
Peace and tranquility in stunning natural surrounds
The residential properties are nestled in a gorgeous protected coastal forest, most of them in a secure gated community where residents and wildlife live in harmony. The land on which Simbithi Eco Estate was built was once a farm that had a vast acreage of indigenous forest, coastal bush and natural wetlands as well as two artesian wells.
The original owner left the farm’s natural features untouched and ensured they were protected from overdevelopment, as he believed that the only way to protect the farm’s water supply was to keep the surrounding vegetation in place.
Today, the residents of Simbithi Eco Estate have the rare privilege of living in a lush coastal forest, surrounded by dense vegetation and with gorgeous walking trails through beautiful bushveld surrounds.
Proximity to Ballito
It’s hard to know where Ballito ends and Shaka’s Rock begins. The two seaside villages blend into each other and all the popular things to do in Ballito are just a short drive from where you’re staying in Shaka’s Rock.
Ballito gets very busy in the school holiday season so it’s nice to be able to slip away to the peace and tranquility of Shaka’s Rock when Ballito is packed with holidaymakers. The seaside town is predominantly a residential suburb, although there is a wide range of accommodation in Shaka’s Rock for holidaymakers.
Proximity to King Shaka International Airport
Shaka’s Rock is 25 kilometres from King Shaka International Airport, a scenic 20 minute drive from the residential homes. Rikki Cabs operates out of King Shaka airport or you can hail an Uber cab to get to Shaka’s Rock if you’re visiting without your own car.
Simbithi Country Club
Shaka’s Rock is taken up predominantly by Simbithi Eco Estate and at its heart is the modern Simbithi Country Club, home to one of South Africa’s premier golf courses. Simbithi Country Club incorporates a selection of eateries, wedding and conference venues as well as a community centre.
Fig Tree Restaurant at Simbithi Country Club is a place of community, family and relaxation. Enjoy romantic dinners, family get-togethers and long lunches with friends at this superb state-of-the-art venue. The Fig Tree is open to the public. After a round of golf, finish the day with drinks at the Drop Zone Bar.
In its 15 years of existence, Simbithi Eco Estate has become a unique, eco-friendly residential community that co-exists harmoniously with wildlife and nature. A world-class golf course, thriving community centre and a family-oriented restaurant has made Simbithi the estate of choice for families and visitors in KwaZulu-Natal.
How Shaka’s Rock got its name
Shaka’s Rock got its name from a large rock outcrop on a beach that King Shaka, a formidable Zulu chief, supposedly forced his warriors to jump off as a test of their loyalty and courage. Shaka dared his men to jump off High Rock into the treacherous sea, ultimately to their death. It’s also believed that King Shaka would sit at High Rock to strategise his battle plans.
Best beaches close to Shaka’s Rock
The hardest part of your day on a holiday to Shaka’s Rock will be deciding which beach to visit. You’ve got a choice of the five best beaches in Durban North right on your doorstep and they’re all stunning. Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, sandcastles, fishing and relaxation… heavenly days on holiday in Durban North.
#1 Willard Beach
Willard Beach is Ballito’s main beach, located along Compensation Beach Road. It’s one of only a few Blue Flag beaches in South Africa and is simply stunning. It’s a prime surfing beach and hosts the annual Ballito Pro, a leg of one of the largest surfing competitions in the world. The four main surf spots are Bathers, Bog, Sunrise and Surfers.
A lovely promenade begins at Willard Beach and runs south to Salmon Bay. It’s a safe walkway for joggers, walkers, dog walkers and pram pushers. Along the promenade, you’ll find small beach coves as well as a caravan park, skateboard park, shops and restaurants.
Willard Beach is protected by shark nets which are monitored by the KZN Sharks Board and lifeguards are on duty throughout the year. The beach gets very busy in the holiday seasons but it’s peaceful and tranquil out of season.
#2 Thompson’s Bay Beach
Thompson’s Bay is the main beach in Shaka’s Rock, a short walk north from Willard’s Beach in Ballito. It’s a sheltered cove that’s protected from the wind and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A striking feature on the beach is what the locals call the ‘hole in the wall’. It’s a massive limestone rock formation with a hole carved out by the crashing waves.
A favourite attraction at Thompson’s Bay is a massive tidal pool that’s ideal for young and old who aren’t confident swimming in the sea. The tidal pool at Thompson’s Bay is called Charlie’s Pool and was built by a long-time resident of the town. Sea urchins in Charlie’s Pool are a bit of a problem so it’s a good idea to buy youngsters beach shoes that can be used when swimming in the tidal pool.
The beach at Thompson’s Bay is protected by shark nets which are monitored by the KZN Sharks Board and lifeguards are on duty throughout the year. Bring your fishing rods because Thompson’s Bay is renowned as one of the best fishing spots on the Durban North coast.
Bring your walking shoes and pack a picnic hamper. You can do a gorgeous walk from Thompson’s Bay to Willard Beach, it’s a comfortable walk for the whole family.
#3 Salt Rock Beach
Salt Rock beach is fantastic for safe swimming, surfing and fishing. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the Dolphin Coast and can get quite busy in the holiday season. A special feature is Granny’s Pool which is a massive tidal pool built at the end of the beach, almost balancing on a large rock outcrop.
The beach at Salt Rock is protected by shark nets which are monitored by KZN Sharks Board and lifeguards are on duty throughout the year.
#4 Shaka’s Rock Beach
The beach at Shaka’s Rock is called Catfish Beach. It’s a gorgeous beach and what’s more, quieter and less crowded than the popular beaches in Ballito. It also has a lovely tidal pool which is great for snorkeling and a safe place for young and old to swim if they’re not confident swimming in the big waves. You’ll find a collection of fish species in the pool, including parrot fish as well as pretty soft coral.
The beach at Shaka’s Rock is protected by shark nets which are monitored by KZN Sharks Board and lifeguards are on duty in the busy holiday season.
#5 Sheffield Beach
The beach at Sheffield is located just north of Salt Rock. It’s a lovely unspoilt beach with sheltered coves that protect sunbathers from the wind. There are gorgeous rock pools for small kids to paddle in and spend hours collecting shells.
Sheffield is one of the best fishing and diving spots on the Dolphin Coast. You can snorkel quite safely in the bay and if you’ve got the gear for scuba diving and a permit, you can go further out to the nooks and crannies in the reef to look for crayfish, oysters and mussels.
Sheffield beach is protected by shark nets that are monitored by KZN Sharks Board. It’s a quiet beach that doesn’t attract such big crowds as the bigger beaches closer to Ballito. It’s the perfect beach on the Dolphin Coast for families with young children because it’s safe and secluded, although there are no lifeguards on duty.
#6 Christmas Bay Beach
Christmas Bay beach is a hidden gem, located about 10 kilometres north of Ballito as the crow flies. It’s a quiet beach that doesn’t attract crowds in the busy tourist season and more often frequented by locals in the area. Because it’s a secluded beach and often deserted out of season, be careful going down to the beach on your own. Rather go with other people for your safety.
The best time to visit the beach at Christmas Bay is at low tide when there are a collection of rock pools and shallow pools which are great for snorkeling. Watch out for sharp rocks and strong under currents. Christmas Bay beach is rated as one of the best beaches for spear fishing because of the interesting fish species you find in the reef further out to sea.
The long beach is perfect for walks. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk from Christmas Bay to Tinley Manor.
Top 10 things to do on a holiday in Shaka’s Rock
Shaka’s Rock is more a residential community than it is a bustling holiday town. There are a few restaurants and delis as well as convenience shops in the valley but for everything else, you drive 10 minutes away to Ballito. It’s a win-win scenario because you have the best of Ballito on your doorstep while enjoying the peace and tranquility of Shaka’s Rock.
#1 Swimming, surfing, fishing at the best beaches in Durban North
From Shaka’s Rock, you have the choice of the best beaches on the Dolphin Coast right on your doorstep. The main beach at Shaka’s Rock is quieter and less crowded than the main beaches at Ballito and perfect for families with young children. For a more vibey holiday atmosphere, spend the day at Willard Beach in Ballito.
#2 Golf at Simbithi Country Club
Staying in Shaka’s Rock is golfer’s heaven. You have on your doorstep one of the finest golf courses in Durban North, the premier 18-hole course at Simbithi Country Club designed by Peter Matkovich. The popular golf course is known for its thoughtfully-placed greens that hold a well-struck shot, pristine fairways and a layout that allows you to play every club in your bag.
#3 Eat out at Simbithi Country Club
The Fig Tree Restaurant at Simbithi Club is a place of community, family and relaxation. The building is spectacularly modern and striking, the views over the golf course are magical and the food and service is exemplary. Children are welcome and there’s space for then to play while parents relax and catch up with family and friends. The Fig Tree is open to the public.
After a round of golf, make your way to the Drop Zone Bar for drinks at the 19th hole or enjoy sundowners with friends after work.
#4 Shopping, shopping, shopping
There are no shortage of great shopping malls and lifestyle centres within easy driving distance from Shaka’s Rock. Next door in Salt Rock, you have the relaxed and fabulous Tiffany’s Shopping Centre and 10-minutes’ drive away are Ballito Junction Regional Mall and Ballito Lifestyle Centre. They all are modern shopping destinations offering a wide selection of retail outlets, restaurants and delis and service outlets.
And let’s not forget, heading back south on the N2 to Umhlanga, you have Durban’s biggest and best shopping mall; Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Umhlanga is a thriving holiday town and packed with great surfing shops, boutique stores and excellent restaurants and delis.
The choice of places to shop in Durban North are endless and they’re all excellent. The only problem is spending time at the shops when the sun is shining and the beach is calling out for you.
Ballito Junction Regional Mall
Ballito Junction Regional Mall is a modern shopping centre located in the heart of Ballito on the beautiful Dolphin Coast. It features a sensational line-up of 200 carefully selected stores together with six anchor tenants including Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Checkers, Edgars, Game and Dis-Chem.
Ballito Junction Regional Mall has three shopping levels, topnotch restaurants and delis as well as a state-of-the-art movie and entertainment centre. Parking at Ballito Junction is free for the first hour.
Where: Dedicated access from Leonora Drive, off both Ballito Drive and Simbithi Drive just off the N2 highway.
Visit Ballito Junction Regional Mall: www.ballitojunction.co.za
Ballito Lifestyle Centre
Ballito Lifestyle Centre is a trendy shopping destination that offers an array of high-end boutiques, surfing shops, restaurants and delis as well as a large SuperSpar and Woolworths.
What makes Ballito Lifestyle Centre different from the larger shopping malls in the area is its vibey ‘street-scene’ shopping experience with beautiful cobbled alleyways linking the outlets. It’s a bold and modern shopping destination with a unique ‘friendly neighbourhood’ atmosphere.
Where: Main Road, Ballito
Visit Ballito Lifestyle Centre: www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is a mega retail mall and recreation centre on Durban’s Dolphin Coast and possibly one of the best Super-Malls in Africa. Gateway has over 360 retail outlets, mega cinema complex, a great selection of restaurants and delis and an activity centre that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours.
Outdoor activities run out of Gateway include The Rock, Skatepark, Wave House and Fantasy Forest. Art is exhibited by the prestigious Kizo Gallery, exhibitions hosted by Old Mutual Science Centre, theatre shows by Barnyard Theatres and off-road riding at the Nissan 4×4 Track.
Visit Gateway Theatre of Shopping: www.gatewayworld.co.za
Tiffany’s Shopping Centre
Tiffany’s Shopping Centre is a modern shopping centre in the popular coastal town of Salt Rock which is Ballito’s next-door neighbour. It offers visitors a relaxed shopping experience, with an array of great selection of retail outlets, restaurants and delis.
Where: Salt Rock Drive, just off the N2 highway, Salt Rock
#5 Family outings in the country
Take a step out of the bustling towns of Durban North and you’re in some of the most beautiful countryside in KwaZulu Natal. There are loads of places to escape to for a day in the country with the family; whether it’s mountain biking on the Holla Trails or enjoying a morning at The Litchi Orchard Market.
The best places to visit for a family outing in the country that are close to Shaka’s Rock include:
Burnedale Farm Coffee Shop
This lovely country coffee shop offers something for everyone. A petting farm, café and deli, clothing store, pottery and painting studio and saddlery. Enjoy fresh, healthy meals with friends while the kids play in a safe playground. Free uncapped Wi-Fi and excellent service are just two reasons why locals love Burnedale Farm Coffee Shop.
Where: Burnedale Farm, Old Main Road, Umhlali
Club Venture
Clubventure is an adventure playground for the whole family. It’s located 15 kilometres inland from Ballito and is great for a whole day’s entertainment. Zip along on a 1.5 kilometre Zipline Tour which includes the first zipline in the world of its type called the PARAZIP. You get a bird’s eye-view of the stunning Ballito area and Indian Ocean.
Another highlight at Club Venture is the scuba diving training centre which has a 800 000-liter scuba training pool. You can do a PADI scuba diving course as well as the 3-hour “Discover Scuba Diving” course.
Where: 1369 Hopewell Farm, Esenembe Road, Ballito Area
Flag Animal Farm
Flag Animal Farm has been voted the best animal farm in Kwa-Zulu Natal and not only is it a fun outing for the whole family, it’s also home to animals that have been rescued and given a safe place to live.
Other facilities at Flag Animal Farm include children’s entertainment shows, a pirate ship, indoor play centre, reptile room, tractor and train rides, an obstacle course and a prayer facility. There’s a lovely coffee shop and deli which also serves certified Halaal food.
Visit Flag Animal Farm: www.flaganimalfarm.co.za
Litchi Orchard Market
Litchi Orchard Market is located on an established litchi farm. The market is a firm favourite for locals and visitors, offering a divine spot in the countryside to spend quality time with family and friends. A day at Litchi Orchard Market is a celebration of delicious food, décor and design with an emphasis on supporting the local artist and artisan community.
Watch out for the seasonal night markets at Litchi Orchard Market. Held on regular intervals from 14h00 to 21h00. It’s perfect for a laid-back evening with family and friends with love music and delicious local food.
Where: Seaforth Avenue, Umhlali
Sugar Rush Park
Sugar Rush Park is the best destination in Ballito if you want a day of fun and quality time with the family. There’s something for everyone and the whole focus is to get everyone – young and old – to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun.
You’ll find a wide range of activities at Sugar Rush Farm and enjoy the wide open spaces, delicious food at the restaurant and the fact that it’s so easy to get to from Ballito.
Visit Sugar Rush Park: www.sugarrush.co.za
#6 Long walks along the coast
The promenade at Willard Beach extends south to Salmon Bay. It’s a beautiful walkway that’s great for evening strolls, jogging and walking the dogs. For a proper morning’s hike on the Durban North coastline, tackle the Ballito North to Salt Rock Trail.
The magical coastal trail hugs the coastline for 5 kilometres, from Ballito North to Salt Rock. The vegetation along the route is typical dense tropical bush and the views over the Indian Ocean are simply heavenly. There’s a photo opportunity around every corner on the Ballito to Salt Rock walk.
The trail takes about an hour to complete if you’re reasonably fit and walking at a comfortable pace. There are many lovely spots to stop at along the way to catch your breath and take in wonderful views of secluded beach coves and the crashing waves. You can even stop off at Granny’s Pool for a quick swim in the sea.
You can have a drink and bite to eat at the sit-down café at the entrance to Salt Rock’s main beach and then turn around and walk back. If that’s too much walking for you, ask a friend to pick you up at the end of the trail.
The Ballito North to Salt Rock Trail starts at Willard’s Beach in Ballito. Cross the beach and walk towards the High Rock at Shaka’s Rock. There’s a path that takes you over the top of the hill during high tide otherwise you can walk over the rocks and along the beach if the tide is out. Continue on towards the beautiful beach at Umhlali and onwards towards Salt Rock Caravan Park which marks the end of the trail.
Places to stay in Shaka’s Rock
Visitors have a wide choice of accommodation in Shaka’s Rock, ranging from beachside apartments to self-catering guest houses and exclusive-use homes in a secure gated community. Shaka’s Rock is almost entirely taken up by Simbithi Eco Estate and most holiday homes to rent in Shaka’s Rock are located in this beautiful nature reserve.
Simbithi Eco Estate
In its 15 years of existence, Simbithi Eco-Estate has become a sought-after eco-friendly residential community that co-exists harmoniously with wildlife and nature. It’s the residential estate of choice in Durban North, offering permanent and holiday homes for the discerning buyer with the most incredible lifestyle to go with it.
The original farm that the eco estate was developed on had a vast acreage of indigenous forests, bush and natural wetlands and two artesian wells, all of which have been left untouched. Today, the residents of Simbithi Eco-Estate and visitors have the rare privilege of living in one of the most beautiful protected indigenous coastal forests in South Africa.
There are five walking and cycling trails in Simbithi Eco Estate as well as green parklands and fishing ponds in the wooded area, offering safe outdoor entertainment for the whole family.
The jewel of Simbithi Eco-Estate is undoubtedly the Simbithi Country Club and its magnificent 18-hole golf course. The main restaurant at Simbithi Country Club is open to the public. The country club is a stunning and popular venue for weddings and conferences.
Best time to visit Shaka’s Rock
Shaka’s Rock is a year-round holiday destination. The Durban North region has a humid subtropical climate with sunny, gorgeous weather throughout the year. It experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity in summer from November to February. To avoid days with afternoon tropical thunderstorms and the most humid months, the best time to visit Shaka’s Rock is in September/October and March/April.
The most humid month in Shaka’s Rock is February, caused by the warm Agulhas current and northern and southern upswells that pass along South Africa’s East Coast. Summer temperatures generally average between 28° C and 33° C, peaking at 35°C in February.
The winter season in Shaka’s Rock is from end-April to end-August. The weather during the day is warm and pleasant with a high-temperature of 22-23°C, dropping to a low of 11°C at night in July which is the coldest month in Shaka’s Rock.
The weather in Shaka’s Rock is one of the best things about this popular seaside holiday town. The second-busiest period in Shaka’s Rock is over the June-July school holidays and even though it’s mid-winter, you can still swim and surf in the warm Indian Ocean.